Paris: I've grown up a lot, and I have a great relationship [with rocker Benji Madden]. I was living like I was still a teenager. Now I realize I have a lot of responsibilities on my plate, and I'm running a huge empire. I don't go out as much anymore. I've been to so many parties for so many years, it gets really old.

Me: You're telling me? At least sometimes I can stay home and watch your reality show. It seems a bit scripted, though.

Paris: Just the parts when I'm on my throne, but everything else is real. I'm really friends with the girls—they text me every day. There are offers to do spin-offs of the show in Australia, Germany, Dubai, Russia . . .

Me: Woo-hoo! You have such a gift for media—I don't want to say "manipulation."

Paris: I just do things that interest me and live life to the fullest. I don't do it for any other reason.